Bishop Cornelius Piong ordains Sem Bede Morti Lambutan as deacon Oct 30 in Keningau Diocesan Square
By Juanis bin Marcus
Nov 12 2021
KENINGAU – “Love of a Friend” which is quoted from John 15:13 is the theme chosen by Seminarian Morti Lambutan for his diaconate ordination. The Ordination Mass was held at the Keningau Diocesan Square, on October 30, 2021 presided by His Lordship Bishop Cornelius Piong.
Deacon Morti or his full name, Bede Morti Lambutan hails from the Nabawan District. He was born on May 26, 1991 and received the Sacrament of Baptism through the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) on 25 May 2008. He received his education at SRK Pekan Nabawan, SMK Nabawan, SMK Keningau and had experience working as a clerk and store manager at Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) from 2011-2012.
The Seminary formation began in 2013 at the Catholic Diocesan Center (CDC), followed by Initiation Year in 2014 at St Peter College, Kota Kinabalu. He furthered his formation in Philosophy and Theology Years in 2015 at St Peter Seminary, Kuching Sarawak.
Prior to his ordination, Deacon Morti had underwent Pastoral exposure in the Legion of Mary, Charismatic Renewal Movement and Children’s Liturgy, Hospital Sentosa, Cheshire Home, Home of Peace, Youth Ministry for CYM St. Barnabas, Kg Skiat Lama, Bau, Campus Ministry of the Archdiocese of Kuching, St Theresa Church, Tambunan, St Anthony Church Bintulu, Sarawak and St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Keningau.
During his speech, Deacon Morti thanked all who were involved in his formation. “We know the call is a mystery, however because of the spirit of the community that often helped me has enabled me to unravel the mystery of the call. You are all friends. Friends who radiate the Love of Christ,” explained Deacon Morti.
Bishop Cornelius Piong congratulated Deacon Morti and called all parties to continue to help Deacon Morti especially to pray for him so that he can also be ordained a priest. “In the past, only a few parishioners served in Nabawan, but through constant effort, like a mustard seed, the kingdom of God grows slowly, and the proof is in the ordination today,” Bishop Cornelius concluded his speech.
